By Lori Wirth
Goodwill of South Central Wisconsin, Inc.

Goodwill Northside continues to enjoy meeting new neighbors following a spectacular grand opening Sept. 29. Hundreds waited in line to be among the first in the door of Goodwill of South Central Wisconsin’s (SCWI) newest retail store and donation center.

The wait was made more pleasant with refreshments from neighboring Willy St. Co-op North and performances by the Shabazz Fiddlers and the Sassy Steppers.

Lines snaked around the store for much of the day, but staff and customers exhibited patience and good humor, enjoying the celebratory vibe and the always-enticing hunt for new treasures.

On Oct. 13, Goodwill SCWI unveiled the store’s new community room. Invited guests, including Madison Chamber of Commerce representatives and neighborhood leaders, were treated to refreshments catered by Willy St. Co-op and a behind-the-scenes look at the donation center and production area.

Madison Alder Larry Palm assisted President and CEO Vicki Holschuh with the ribbon-cutting duties. Palm was the impetus behind inclusion of the community room at the new store, suggesting it as a pressing need in the neighborhood. At this writing, the room had already been reserved for four events, including a listening session with Palm and Alder Rebecca Kemble.

Reservations for the space may be made by contacting Lori Wirth at lwirth@goodwillscwi.org.

Holschuh also announced a partnership with Malcolm Shabazz City High School art students. Under the direction of art teacher Rachel Schramm, students will create artwork for the community room that will represent the cultural heritage of the neighborhood and the guiding principles of Goodwill SCWI.